Staff Scientist

Vanderbilt University; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contribute to cutting-edge projects

Opportunities for collaboration

Mentoring and training environment

Job summary

Vanderbilt University is seeking a Staff Scientist in Neural Regeneration to drive research in spinal cord injury. The ideal candidate will hold a Ph.D. and have a strong background in regenerative biology, neuroscience, and advanced imaging techniques.

The role involves leading independent projects, mentoring trainees, and contributing to significant publications, while collaborating across departments to shape the future of the research program.

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in neuroscience or related discipline is required.
• Strong publication record demonstrating scientific productivity is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead independent research projects.
• Establish and optimize experimental and computational technologies.
• Train postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and research staff.
• Analyze complex datasets and contribute to publications.
• Assist with grant preparation and development of research directions.
• Build collaborations across Vanderbilt and with external investigators.
• Help shape the scientific vision of the laboratory.

Skills

Regenerative biology

Neuroscience

Spatial or single-cell transcriptomics

Molecular biology

Microscopy and image analysis

CRISPR genome engineering

Zebrafish and/or mouse models

Bioinformatics and computational analysis (R/Python)

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Mentoring skills

Education

Ph.D. in neuroscience, cell biology, or related field

Job description

Staff Scientist in Neural Regeneration

Our laboratory investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms that enable successful regeneration after spinal cord injury. By integrating single‑cell and spatial transcriptomics, CRISPR genome engineering, tissue clearing, advanced microscopy, and functional studies in zebrafish and mouse models, we seek to identify regenerative programs that can ultimately be harnessed to promote neural repair in mammals.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking an experienced, collaborative, and highly motivated scientist with a passion for discovery and scientific excellence. The ideal candidate will have expertise at the intersection of regenerative biology, neuroscience, genomics, and advanced imaging, and will play a key role in developing new technologies, advancing collaborative research projects, and mentoring trainees in a growing laboratory.

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in neuroscience, cell biology, developmental biology, molecular biology, or a related discipline
• A strong publication record demonstrating scientific productivity and independence

Areas of Expertise Required

• regenerative biology
• neuroscience
• spatial or single‑cell transcriptomics
• molecular biology and genomics
• microscopy and image analysis
• CRISPR genome engineering
• zebrafish and/or mouse models
• bioinformatics and computational analysis (R/Python)
• Excellent organizational, communication, and mentoring skills
• A collaborative mindset and commitment to rigorous, reproducible science

Role

• Develop and lead independent research projects
• Establish and optimize new experimental and computational technologies
• Train postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and research staff
• Analyze complex datasets and contribute to high‑impact publications
• Assist with grant preparation and development of new research directions
• Build collaborations across Vanderbilt and with external investigators
• Help shape the long‑term scientific vision of the laboratory

What we offer

• Contribute to cutting‑edge projects in spinal cord regeneration
• Establish new technologies in spatial genomics and advanced imaging
• Publish in leading scientific journals
• Build collaborations across Vanderbilt's neuroscience and regenerative biology communities
• Help shape the growth and scientific direction of a new and ambitious research program

For more information about our research, please visit: https://www.cigliola-lab.com